In international business, the failure to understand Intercultural differences can lead to severe consequences. When thinking about nearshore teams’ different cultures is often named as one of the potential risks that stop companies from trying outstaffing.
At Evolvice, we have employees from different cultural backgrounds; we have been working in such a mixed environment for many years and can state yes, we are different; it is a valid concern. But we also saw that once you create awareness about it and start “speaking the same language,” the variety of cultures becomes a great advantage.
Over the years, we have learned how to integrate people from Egypt into European teams to ensure successful and long-term cooperation. One of the steps is mandatory Intercultural Training for our employees done in collaboration with Goethe-Institut.
What Is Intercultural Training by Goethe-Institut?
We sought a trustworthy provider with experience working in all our locations when looking for a training provider. We wanted to be sure that training brings results. Goethe-Institut is well known worldwide, and once we analyzed their Intercultural Trainings program, we decided for them and had no regrets. Through a range of modules, their training builds awareness, communication, and cooperation in an international context.
In the Awareness module, participants explore self-reflection by understanding how others perceive them and learning to shift perspectives when dealing with people from European cultures. This module has been designed to equip individuals to understand their cultural biases and be more open-minded when interacting with those from other countries.
The Communication module helps participants become effective communicators on personal and virtual levels via intercultural communication styles. Participants also learn to communicate across cultures to build effective bridges rather than create misunderstandings.
The Cooperation module gives participants the tools to work successfully with business partners from different cultures, understanding and respecting their values, mentalities, and work cultures. People gain experience dealing with stereotypes, as well as being able to employ conflict resolution strategies for greater collaboration.
Finally, the Action module applies the knowledge acquired through case studies and simulations. This helps employees better understand intercultural cooperation by building synergy when working in teams with members of different backgrounds.
Together these modules gave our employees a toolkit for successful communication and cooperation with their European team on the customer side. The survey conducted internally has proven that training was helpful; many people claim they understand better the expectations from them in daily work.
How Evolvice Benefitted from the Intercultural Training
During the training, our staff learned techniques on how to interact better with colleagues from different countries and cultures. They explored various aspects of culture, such as communication styles, body language, personal values, and beliefs. The trainers used interactive activities to ensure. Everyone had a chance to practice and develop their skills.
Intercultural training helped us break through barriers such as misconceptions, prejudices, and stereotypes that can be formed when dealing with people of different cultures. It also helped our workers understand how their behavior affects others around them so they can conduct themselves respectfully and confidently when interacting with colleagues or clients.
At the end of the training, our employees better understood cultural differences, allowing them to work better as a team. The improved communication and understanding between our staff were invaluable for building more inclusive working environments where everyone can feel accepted and respected.
What Our Colleagues Say
How is intercultural training changing your perspective?
I have a much better understanding of German and foreign people and how they act.
I understand that every country has its own culture, and knowing more about it helps us understand our differences, prevent misunderstandings and see things from other people’s perspectives.
I had previous experience communicating with different cultures, but having a refreshment and even some eye-opening lessons was suitable.
Now I can appreciate and understand people’s perspectives more and be open-minded to a different point of view.
What was the most valuable lesson you learned on the course?
I understood how to communicate with my foreign colleagues efficiently, especially when working with deadlines.
I learned how to understand German culture, and it was exciting to know about the stereotypes people from foreign and different cultures have about the people here.
In Egypt, and how we could work together despite these differences.
It is to always think about the person’s point of view, ask questions, and communicate deeply on the primary goal of our conversation.
Will you approach situations differently, and how?
First, not to wait for appreciation 😉, commitment to time planning and schedule.
Yeah, for sure, I will approach situations differently. It ensures no endings, delivers the tasks with the best quality within the deadline, and writes down everything necessary.
Yes, I might think about what makes people think or act in a certain way and doubt my point of view.
Did it make it easier and better to do your work in general?
Yes, in work and communication.
Yes, of course, I saw the positive effect on the ones who attended the training, at least on the ones I work with daily.
Yes, it has so far, and I am willing to make it help me more. And I recommend the course for newcomers to have more sessions for employees.
In Conclusion
We had a great time learning about different cultures, and we’re confident that our team is equipped with the skills to work effectively and communicate in a multicultural setup. At Evolvice, we want to do more than hire people and gather them in one place. We aim to ensure the integration of these people into our clients’ business by respecting the cultures of both sides, creating awareness of the differences, and making it work successfully. Intercultural training brings us one step further to this goal.
We thank Goethe-Institut for providing us with this opportunity and look forward to collaborating with them again. Their expertise has helped us create an environment where people from diverse backgrounds can come together and thrive!
Here are some photos from our training
